Omalo to Shatili · Tusheti – Khevsureti

Tours / 01 - Tusheti – Khevsureti

Five-day trek over the Atsunta pass

Duration: 5 days
Distance: approx. 75 km
Highest point: 3431 m
Lowest point: 1360 m
Total ascent: approx. 2948 m
Total descent: approx. 3578 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: July – September

One route that joins the nature, culture and traditions of two historic highland regions of Georgia: Tusheti and Khevsureti.

The crossing from Omalo to Shatili is one of the most remarkable multi-day treks in Georgia. Over five days you walk through the villages of Tusheti, the Alazani valley, wild alpine meadows and high passes, and finish in historic Shatili.

The high point is the Atsunta pass at 3431 metres, the link between Tusheti and Khevsureti. Along the way you visit villages of medieval stone towers, meet the local culture and spend several days in untouched high-mountain country.

Omalo - Dartlo - Girevi - Kvakhidi meadows - Atsunta pass - Khidotani ridge - Mutso - Shatili

Day by day

Day 01 Omalo – Dartlo 10.9 km · ↑ 405 m · ↓ 670 m

The trek starts in Omalo, the historic centre of Tusheti. After breakfast we head for Dartlo, first on the dirt road, then on the old footpath across meadows and wooded slopes.

We cross the Gele pass, with wide views over the Tusheti highlands. The day ends in Dartlo, one of the most beautiful villages in Tusheti, known for its stone houses and defensive towers. Those who want can climb to the Kvavlo tower for a view over the village and the valley.

Overnight: Family guesthouse or riverside camp

Day 02 Dartlo – Girevi 14 km · ↑ 414 m · ↓ 196 m

In the morning we follow the Pirikita Alazani valley. The way keeps to the river and passes the historic villages of Chesho and Parsma; Parsma stands out for its old stone towers.

We then leave the dirt road for a riverside footpath to Girevi, one of the last inhabited villages of Tusheti in this direction. Here we register at the border post, which is required for travel in the border zone.

Overnight: Family guesthouse in Girevi

Day 03 Girevi – Kvakhidi meadows 14.2 km · ↑ 978 m · ↓ 584 m

Today we leave the settlements behind. Beyond Girevi the route follows the Kvakhidistskali valley, passes the ruins of the abandoned village of Chontio and climbs steadily into the alpine zone.

The day ends on the Kvakhidi meadows, a broad alpine plateau where several rivers meet. It is the traditional trekkers' camp, and this is where we pitch the tents.

Overnight: Camp on the Kvakhidi meadows or below the Atsunta pass

Day 04 Kvakhidi – Atsunta pass – Khidotani ridge 16.8 km · ↑ 1405 m · ↓ 1168 m

The key day of the route, and the hardest. In the morning we continue up the Kvakhidistskali valley, fording the river several times; how difficult that is depends on the water level and the weather.

Then comes the climb to the Atsunta pass, 3431 metres above sea level. From the pass you see the mountains of Tusheti and Khevsureti at once.

We descend on the Khevsureti side and carry on to the Khidotani ridge. In clear weather the high peaks of the Caucasus are in view, including Tebulosmta (4494 m).

Overnight: Camp on the Khidotani ridge

Day 05 Khidotani ridge – Mutso – Shatili 19.6 km · ↑ 300 m · ↓ 1511 m

On the last day we drop from the Khidotani ridge into the Khonistskali valley, first down a steep wooded slope, then along a dirt road by the river. We pass Khonischala and approach the Andaki valley.

The main stop of the day is the fortress-village of Mutso, an outstanding example of medieval Georgian defensive architecture. The Anatori crypts can also be visited on the way.

The trek ends in Shatili, the historic centre of Khevsureti, with its stone towers and terraced houses.

Overnight: Family guesthouse in Shatili

Lodging and food

Nights are split between family guesthouses and tents. In the guesthouses you eat traditional mountain cooking and meet local hospitality first-hand.

For the camping days you need personal trekking gear, a sleeping bag and food supplies. There are trekkers' shelters on the Kvakhidi meadows and the Khidotani ridge, but whether they are open has to be checked in advance, so a tent is recommended.

Season and weather

The best months are July, August and September. Whether the Atsunta pass is open depends on snow, weather and the decision of the border service.

Early in summer there can still be snow on the pass, and the rivers run high. Before each departure we check the forecast, the state of the trail and the border permits.

Safety

The route is of moderate difficulty, but its length, altitude and a few demanding sections call for good fitness and trekking experience. We pay particular attention to: